MissionThe School of Business, Media and Technology (SBMT) prepares students for success in professional and creative careers and future academic endeavors. Our rigorous and diverse learning environment supports critical thinking and cultivates ethical problem solvers who are agents of economic and social betterment in our ever-changing global environment. As a professional school we promote and teach best practices in our respective fields.

Vision StatementNMHU’s School of Business, Media and Technology empowers students to become respected members of a professional community in a holistic, interdisciplinary environment fostered by combining rigorous academics and active learning. We advance understanding and extend the frontiers of knowledge proactively in order to address complex problems in a manner that cultivates the human mind and spirit. We provide an ethical, inspiring multicultural learning environment that promotes excellence, empowerment, transformation, and global understanding in our fields.

The Department of Business Administration

AccreditationThe Department of Business Administration is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) to offer the master of business administration (MBA) degree.

The MBA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) as an online degree. Students can complete their MBA degree through distance education. Students can be physically located anywhere in the world and complete the MBA degree from New Mexico Highlands University.

Mission of the Department of Business AdministrationThe Department of Business Administration is committed to the success of our students and to the highest observance of our professional accreditation standards. The department’s goal is to be the best small business department in the Southwest, preparing students to be confident, competent, ethical, and responsible business decision-makers, managers, leaders, and agents of economic and social betterment in today’s changing global business environment.

NMHU CampusThe MBA degree is available live at the main campus. Department of Business Administration classroom facilities and faculty offices are located in Sininger Hall on the NMHU campus directly across the quadrangle from Thomas C. Donnelly Library. Distance education-equipped classrooms are available in the building. High speed wireless internet and networked computer facilities are located throughout the campus, which provide student access to online classes and course materials. Professional business software required for business classes is available through these computer facilities.

NMHU Center/SitesThe MBA degree is offered on site at the main campus but online elsewhere. Business faculty advisers are located at the New Mexico Highlands University centers and sites at Rio Rancho, Farmington, Santa Fe, and Española.

Requirements for admission to the MBA Program:

1. Students must have at least a 2.8 GPA in undergraduate work; however, performance in major courses and the last 60 hours of credit may be given strong consideration.

2. Professional work experience in administration may be considered when reviewing applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree in business.

3. Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in business will be considered based upon the total undergraduate record, with deficiency courses required as needed to establish an appropriate background for graduate work in business administration.

4. All students are expected to have computer proficiency and be able to use basic tools of business: word processing and spreadsheets. Students lacking these skills are advised to take classes in these areas prior to requesting admission to the program.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)The master of business administration requires a minimum of 37 credit hours, with at least 30 hours in courses restricted to graduate students. The program prepares students for leadership positions in business, state and federal government, or non-profit institutions. Building on a foundation of management, accounting, finance, economics, and marketing, the program emphasizes administrative ability, managerial potential, financial decision making, and long-range planning skills.

Our program utilizes an intensive problem-solving approach, featuring case studies and simulations across the spectrum of decision areas within business organizations and emphasizing the integrative nature of managerial responsibilities.

Dual Master’s Degrees in Business and Social WorkHighlands University allows students to complete Masters Degrees in Social Work (MSW) and Business Administration (MBA) with minimal overlap. Interested students should refer to the catalog section for the School of Social Work.

Exit Requirements for Completing the MBA DegreeDuring the final year of MBA coursework all students must take MGMT 689 Business Strategy and BUS 696 Business Case Study. Students should take these courses in the last semester of coursework. MGMT 689 focuses on strategic business analysis, and students will prepare and present a final written case analysis that demonstrates their ability to analyze business problems. They will present their case solution formally in an oral examination to a committee of three members, at least two of these must be School of Business faculty. Students must continue to register for BUS 696 until all requirements are completed.

The written document will follow the American Psychological Association (APA) style format and will comply with the exit requirements of the Office of Graduate Studies at New Mexico Highlands University.

Upon successful completion of any deficiencies, all coursework, the written case analysis, and oral examination, the student will be nominated to candidacy for the MBA degree.

Required courses: 25 – 34 credit hours

The following courses (BUS 500, 501 and 502) may be assigned or waived depending on the student’s undergraduate coursework:

BUS 500 Principles of Business Administration (3)

BUS 501 Principles of Financial and Managerial Accounting (3)

BUS 502 Principles of Finance and Economics (3)

Required Core:

MGMT 601 Quantitative Methods (3)

MGMT 604 Business Research Methods (3)

ACCT 605 Financial Accounting (3)

OR

ACCT 606 Managerial Accounting (3)

FIN 607 Managerial Finance (3)

ECON 608 Managerial Economics (3)

BLAW 639 Law and Ethics in Bus (3)

MKTG 684 Marketing Management (3)

MGMT 689 Business Strategy (3)

BUS 696 Business Case Study (1)

Core Total: 25 – 34 credit hours

Students must choose an MBA concentration from one of the following areas:

Concentration in Accounting

Proficiency Courses:Students must have a demonstrated proficiency in the following three courses; the courses may be assigned or waived depending on the student’s prior coursework: